Now, a spectator code of conduct

HT Correspondent,
New Delhi

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Updated: Sep 08, 2010 01:06 IST

You must behave yourself while watching the Commonwealth Games events from the stands, or else the organisers reserve the right to show you the door. The Games OC is compiling a spectator code of conduct at par with international practices at sporting events.

According to the code, shouting racial abuses, hurling anything at the field of play or even distracting players is an offence. “The code is according to international standard. We will make sure that the experience of watching the events remain a memorable and peaceful one for the crowd,” said Maj Gen G.G. Dwivedi, Head of Spectator Services, on Tuesday.

Around 1.7 million spectators are expected to watch the Commonwealth Games over 12 days and elaborate plans have been made to cater to their needs, the OC said. Supported by 2,650 volunteers, a team of 195 paid staff will guide visitors who will come with different categories of tickets.

For the Opening Ceremony, which starts at 7 p.m., the gates at the Jawahar Lal Nehru stadium will be opened by 2 p.m. The security checks will be in two layers—a soft check of tickets and prohibited items etc in the queue and then proper security screening at the gates. For the ceremonies, seats will be numbered while there will be open seating for the rest of the events.

“The 43,500 seats have been reserved for common spectators at the JLN stadium. They will be allowed to enter through designated gates which are 6, 9 and 14. Each gate will have 45 queues,” he said. The Spectator Services has three main responsibilities — gate management, access control and handling the spectator plaza and seating bowl.

Smooth entry will be ensured at the gate through the turnstiles and the security checkpoints. After the entry, the movement of spectators would be regulated through the spectators plaza to the seating bowl. “Various facilities like information booths, stroller storage booth, lost and found booth, toilets and medical room would be available for the spectators. They can also purchase food, water and merchandise from various stalls,” he said.